Iran has done it again. First came the ridiculous assertion that there were no homosexuals in Iran. Please watch the video of president Ahmadenijad's visit to Columbia to see this if you have missed it.
Now, top officials in Iran are condemning the importation of Western toys and dolls, such as Barbie. Although this is sad, it doesn't surprise me at all. In fact, Saudi Arabia outlawed Barbie dolls in 2003.
Another problem with Barbie is the unrealistic expectations for body proportions. The old Barbie used to have ridiculous proportions: 36 inches (chest), 18 inches (waist) and 33 inches (hips). Fortunately, after many years of public outcry, Mattel increased the waist size of the Barbie doll a few years ago. Researchers in the UK actually did a study comparing the proportions of Barbie and Ken to the general population. The probability of Barbie's body measurements in real life were 1 in 100,000. For Ken's physique, it was a slightly more realistic 1 in 50.
Of note, a new study in the Archives of Internal Medicine today aims to dispell the "Fit but fat" theory. They found that even highly active overweight and obese women were are much higher risk (54 and 87%, respectively) for the development of heart disease, compared to non-overweight women with the same level of activity.
But, don't fret chocolate-loving women. A new study also indicates that eating chocolate decreases the risk of complications associated with pregnancy.
And, a size 14 voluptuous woman has made it to the finals of the Miss England beauty contest. This is great news, and hopefully, this will help to reverse the disturbing trend over the past 20+ years of the acceptance and admiration of rail-thin models. Bring on the curves...
1 comment:
Steve - I agree it's sad that the people of Iran have their freedom so drastically limited in so may important ways. But look at that picture. Is there even a market for Barbies there? she looks like an alien...like from outer space, not from France.
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